A father’s visit to his child in Sunford, Phoenix, ended in tragedy for Durban North resident, Mohammed Abed Adham, who was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Avonford Crescent on Friday, 23 February.
Adham, 52, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was certified dead at the scene following the terrifying ordeal. KZNVIP spokesperson, Gareth Naidoo said that their members responded to the scene in Avonford Crescent following reports of a drive-by shooting.
He said: “Upon arrival, it was determined that one male had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Medical personnel on the scene attempted to stabilise the victim, however, despite their efforts, the victim tragically succumbed to his injuries. Reports indicate that a blue Toyota Corolla (Baby Camry) pulled-up next to the victim’s vehicle before firing shots and fleeing up Avonford. Multiple bullet cartridges were found on scene. The scene was cordoned-off by the CPF and other security partners, as medics attempted to resuscitate the victim. The scene was then secured by the Phoenix SAPS who will be investigating the murder case further.”
Captain Louise Naidoo from SAPS Phoenix confirmed the incident. She said that detectives from Phoenix SAPS are investigating a case of murder following the fatal drive-by shooting.
“The deceased, Mohammed Abed Adham, sustained multiple gunshot wounds while seated in his vehicle at approximately 6.45pm on Friday. Police arrived and found Netcare911 paramedics attending to the victim, who was later certified dead at the scene. It is alleged by the victim’s relative that the deceased, from Glenmore Crescent in Durban North, was in the area to visit his child who was at his grandfather’s house in Avonford, Sunford,” said Cpt Naidoo.
She confirmed the allegations that a blue Toyota Corolla came up from behind and stopped alongside the deceased’s car before opening fire.
“Video footage reveals that the passenger from the Toyota Corolla began to fire multiple shots at the victim before their car sped-off. It is unknown how many shots struck the deceased and the identity of the assailants is also unknown. There were no witness to the incident and no property was taken. Five spent cartridges were found alongside the car. The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage,” said Cpt Naidoo.
Mark Nadasen from the Phoenix Community Police Forum said that killings and drive-by shootings are now becoming a regular occurrence in the Phoenix area.
“The recent spate of shooting incidents clearly shows that we are now fostering a culture that has total disregard for human life. Despite continuous attempts being made by SAPS, CPF and other stakeholders to curb the crime rate, incidents like these are occurring at an alarming rate. The sheer brutality of being gunned down or fatally stabbed in front of loved ones clearly exhibits that criminals have now become fearless in their endeavours.”
Facebook user, Samantha Pillay said: “I lost my brother on the 10th of February at a tavern, just chatting to friends, armed men walked in to rob them. It’s absolutely heartbreaking that this family is now mourning their loved one and the criminals are not caught.”
“It’s really bad now, seems like every day someone is getting killed in Phoenix or badly hurt,” commented Calvin Klein on Facebook.
